Traditional folk music of Rajasthan:
The traditional folk music of Rajasthan is rich because of a blend of ragas with instrumental music. Ragas, notes,looping tunes, beat pace, drop etc contribute to the unique tunes. The heterogeneity among styles of traditional folk music of Rajasthan is due to the influence of multiple cultures. Not only did the Bhakti Movement contribute to this but also the Sufi singers added cherry to the cake. Devotional folk music includes devotional songs and lyrical verses from Meerabai, Kabirji, Surdasji and the like. Sufi songs focus more on the tunes. Amir Khusro and Bulleh Shah are few popular folk who epitomized Sufi renditions. As you go deeper into regions of Sand dunes the smell of desert will greet you with instrumental traditional folk music of Rajasthan.
1. Maand
The top style in the list patronizes the stories of valor and sacrifice of the great warriors of Rajasthan. It is the most polished style of Rajasthani folk music because it is a confluence of Raga and advanced folk tunes. This folk style is often compared to Thumri and Ghazal.
The beauty lies it in the fact that it is useful to convey all the moods. Accordingly, ecstasy, melancholy, love, rage etc can be easily conveyed using this style.
Facts:
- The song ‘Kesariya Balam’ is created in this popular style.
- ‘Rajwadi Maand’ originated in Rajasthan. It is a popular style sung in the court of the King.
- The polished blend of ragas and tunes has been a popular choice among music composers of Bollywood too.
- ‘Ab toh hai tumse har khushi apni’ from the movie Abhimaan is known to be composed in this style.
- The folk music is easily traceable in Bikaner and Jodhpur.
- Famous singers and awards received by them-
Allah Jhilai Bai (Bikaner)- Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi in Folk Music
Manga Bai Arya(Udaipur)- Sangeet Natak Akademi in Folk Music
Gavri Devi (Jodhpur)- Sangeet Natak Akademi
Find out about Famous Women Musicians of Rajasthan.
2. Pabuji ki Phach
Pabuji ki Phach is traditional folk music of Rajasthan to celebrate and eulogise the heroic acts of Pabuji belonging to the 14th century. The poetic ballads are the contributions of the Bhopa community. The tales of Pabuji in the ballads also express the portrayal of the hardships faced by the Bhopa community. Not only the ballads are sung but also a notable form for Performing Arts.
Facts:
1.Phad is basically a 10 meter long scroll painting with motifs of the heroic act by Pabuji. The people of the community worship Pabuji as “Lord of camels.”
2.Pabuji Ri Phad, a famous Marwadi folklore is the significant song of this style of music.
3.The interiors of the Thar desert are the best places to savor this type of folk music.
3. Panihari:
Women searching water and filling pots in the desert created these songs with rain as the central theme. These songs were a source of entertainment amid the toil. Their domestic struggles made the songs even more heart-touching. These songs express the suppressed feelings of Rajasthani desert women.
Facts:
1. Panihari refers to women who seek out water in the desert.
2. Praising the rain and rain God is the main purpose.
3. Well -trained musicians don’t sing it so the notes of the song are free-flowing.
4. One can easily hear the songs while travelling in the rural areas of Thar desert.
5. One of the most famous folklore stories is about a small girl who comes across a stranger tormented by thirst. She offers him water. Firstly, charmed stranger follows the girl on his camel. Secondly, sings about her beauty. As a result, this angers the entire village and they rush to the girl’s mother. The mother recognizes him, who happens to be the girl’s fiancé.
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